Winter 1900 news included ice, restless teachers

The first two months of 1900 provided interesting news items in Knoxville. Millions of feet of lumber were floated down the Holston and French Broad rivers into the city; the frozen lake at Chilhowee Park gave way, sending skaters into the icy waters; and city teachers wondered when they would be paid. The harsh winter allowed wagons to be driven across the frozen Pigeon River.

The Knoxville Journal and Tribune kept citizens informed of various events in January and February. It highlighted the students of the seven public white schools and four black schools who had a grade average of at least 90. The J&T reported the following:

Jan. 2 - "The Flora Swan steamboat was caught in the frozen Pigeon River and was stuck for several days. The Telephone and Onega steamers had gotten though before the freeze. The Pigeon River is reported as being frozen over to the depth of three and one half inches and two horse wagons are crossing it at will."

Feb. 7 - "The city school teachers, who have become somewhat restless about January salaries, will be paid this afternoon at the superintendent's office. Ten days have elapsed since the usual time of the month to pay the teachers. The delay is said to be occasioned by the confusion resulting in the change of city administration."

Feb. 10 - The principals, teachers, and their top honor students were announced at the high school, Hampden Sydney, Peabody School, Moses School, North Knoxville, Sevier Schoo, and Rayl School, which educated white students. It gave the same information for Austin High, Maynard School, Burnside School and Heiskell, the black schools.

Feb. 17 - "Rafts are arriving with millions of feet of finest poplar. More expected on this tide than in years. An old raftsman tells of the hazards and chilly journey from forest to market." It took two or three men to ride and control each large raft of logs lashed together as hundreds of them were floated into Knoxville for sale. "A fire, of course, burns on the raft, serving both for cooking and protection from the cold. The best excuse for a bed is the crevice between two logs."

Feb. 20 - "Skating was enjoyed yesterday by those who did not have the misfortune to go through the ice. A number of prominent people were on the lake at Chilhowee Park yesterday morning when the ice began breaking. One well-known gentleman tripped up and sprawled upon the ice. It gave way and a chilly flood enveloped him, but he scrambled out safely."

Feb. 25 - The city made a concerted effort to close businesses that operated on Sunday. "Police Chief J.J. Atkins ordered policemen to see that every saloon is closed today. Candy, fruit and cigar stores also included. The fifty saloons of Knoxville will all be closed tight today, provided the seven to nine policemen who will be on duty can manage to be in enough different places at the same time to keep tabs on the saloons that may try to evade the ordinance against Sunday selling."

Robert J. Booker is a freelance writer and former executive director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. He may be reached at 546-1576.